Protesters storm Abuja over impeachment of Kogi Speaker

The last may not have been heard of the controversial impeachment of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, as his supporters stormed Abuja, yesterday, asking for his reinstatement.

The protesters, numbering over 200, under the auspices of “Kogi sons and daughters in Abuja “marched to the headquarters of the Ministry of Justice, located at the Central Business District (CDB) chanting solidarity songs and denouncing the action.

They carried banners bearing different messages, some of which read: “Kogi sons and daughters in Abuja: We say no to cash/carry legislators. No to Wuruwuru impeachment.”, “Wada is our problem. Ibro is our major problem.”

The protest was led by the Anti-Corruption Network, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in Abuja.

Executive Secretary of the Network, Hon Dino Melaye, said it was high time the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, call the perpetrators of the “lawlessness” in Kogi to order.”

The former House of Representatives member gave the AGF a 72-hour ultimatum to condemn the illegal action publicly as the chief law officer of the Federation.

He said Adoke’s condemnation has become necessary to prevent a national disgrace and a dangerous precedent, and vowed that angry Nigerians would have no choice but to occupy Adoke’s office if he fails to speak before the expiration of the ultimatum.

The Chief Security Officer of the Ministry of Justice, who simply identified himself as Mr. Y. Abdullahi, received the Network’s petition on behalf of Adoke.

According to a copy of the petition made available to The Nation, the group said it was unconstitutional for a Speaker to be impeached without the constitutionally required two-third majority of the House.